The Solar Energy Industries Association is making its biggest election push yet, spending $250,000 through a super PAC to support two Democratic candidates for Georgia's Public Service Commission. The race could flip the five-member board to a pro-solar majority, giving clean energy a stronger voice in decisions that determine electricity rates and grid investments.
The spending follows a bruising federal budget fight that cut renewable tax credits, prompting SEIA to rethink its political strategy. Rather than spreading money thin, the group targeted Georgia because utility commission races are low-cost and high-impact. "If you've got one or two million, you need to spend that money really wisely," said Steph Bosh, SEIA's senior vice president of communications.
The commission's decisions matter especially now, as Georgia Power seeks to build large new gas plants to serve AI data centers. Solar paired with batteries offers a cheaper and faster alternative, and a more critical commission could push that portfolio. The PSC has approved six rate increases since 2023, adding to voter concerns about affordability.